Self-Development of People Ministry Team

Self-Development of People (SDOP) Ministry Team

Presbytery Staff Liaison – Rev. Ralph Lowe, Director of Justice Ministries
Team Chair – Rev. Dr. Jermaine McKinley

What We Do
Grants Available


What We Do

Self-Development of People (SDOP) is a ministry which affirms God’s concern for humankind.  We are Presbyterian and others, dissatisfied with poverty and oppression, united in faith and action through sharing, confronting, and enabling.  We enter into partnerships with groups of poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people who are oppressed by poverty, who want to take charge of their own lives, who have organized or are organizing to do something about their own condition, and who have decided that what they are going to do will produce direct, long-term changes for their lives or communities and will benefit them directly.

The mission of the Self-Development of People Ministry Team is to assist grass-roots groups in identifying their direction and vision; then, with God’s help, to develop projects that will be beneficial to both them and the community.


Grants Available

2024 SDOP Grant Application

Please note that grants are small, typically between $1,000 and $10,000.  Site visits to evaluate the project’s progress will be conducted.  The SDOP Ministry Team is available to assist any groups requesting help in grant-writing or other technical assistance.

Click here to download a Self-Development of People Application Packet. There is also a document that includes a fact sheet, criteria for eligibility, and guidelines for completing the application. Click here for more information about SDOP and for helpful tips to help navigate the application process.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The SDOP grant and application is intended for use by the residents within the bounds of Pittsburgh Presbytery ONLY.